Gleb, 21 years old
Gleb is an Russian engineering student at the Zabayleasky Institute of Railway Transport. He is in his 4th year and was working as a ticket controller on the Transsiberian Express when we met him. This was his first train trip as a controller. He explained that the work was tough but that it paid well and he can travel on trains for free throughout Russia. He earns 15,000 roubles (350€) on a return trip lasting 10 days with a 12h shift per day..
His personal opinion was that Russia is still a strong nation, but less now than under the Soviet era. He somewhat regrets the previous regime when the country was more organized, when may things were free and when everybody could go to university. Today it costs 50,000 roubles per year (1200 euros). Luckily for Gleb he has a government grant. His dream is to visit Thailand. He loves American music : Linkin Park, System of a Down, Spleen, etc.
Ivan, 12 years old
Ivan is Russian and lives in Irkutsk. We met him on the Transsiberian Express as he was returning from a trip to St Petersburg with his class (2nd year secondary school). His parents are engineers . He doesn’t like sport very much but does a lot of reading and writing. He is currently reading a book from Gerbert Wells and we wants to become a translator or writer when he is older. He has already written a short story and is currently writing a second story about a rat called Rémi who helps a small boy to write stories. And as you can guess, Ivan very much likes the film Ratatouille... He speaks English well and intends to learn French next year. He also hopes to visit France next summer….maybe we will have the chance to meet up !
Saago, 6 years old
Saago is a young Mongolian living in the steppes, a few hours away from the capital Oulan Bator. She lives with her parents and young brother and helps look after their herds of goats, sheep, horses and camels. She attends boarding school from September to June and comes home during summer. Saago lives in a ‘ger’ or a ‘yurt’ as it is commonly known in Europe. She very much likes to drink mare’s milk (aïrak), which her father produces. When we met, her father was about to set off, to sell his produce at a traditional Mongolian holiday festival called Naadam, where there are many sports competitions (horse races, wrestling etc).
Throughout our trip we have met many people from different cultures and horizons. In this section you will find testimonials highlighting the variety of life styles we have come across and which make our trip such a rich experience.
TESTIMONIALS
